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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Social Anthropology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100843  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Social Anthropology 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The rationale behind the composition of the qualification is to enable the student to develop as a researcher and to prepare him/her for further study at Level 9. There is a need to produce competent qualitative social researchers able to function effectively in a number of specialised areas. Graduates that are well equipped with a broad range of fundamental research and writing skills are essential to meeting this need.

Rationale:
Within the social sciences, the purpose of a Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAHons) Sociology and Social Anthropology is to deliver graduates who have an advanced knowledge and understanding of both sociological as well as anthropological aspects that they can apply within a working environment, such as the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), state sector and research sector, to investigate, analyse and interpret sociological problems and offer workable solutions to realistic problems. It further provides every graduate with opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, for gainful economic activity in a range of related careers, for rewarding and constructive contributions to society and gives admission to more advanced studies, such as a cognate Master's Degree. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The North-West University subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The North West University (NWU) endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level. RPL does not only imply assessment of the submitted portfolio, to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements:
Admission to the Bachelor of Arts Honours (BA Hons) programme is open to approved students who have been awarded a Bachelor's Degree, or a qualification designated by the Senate as equivalent, with a major in Sociology or Social Anthropology. Senate may require any candidate, before being admitted to the Honours programme, to attend and complete, as may be determined by Senate, such undergraduate courses or portion of courses of a Bachelor curriculum as the senate may prescribe. The modules at the exit level must have been passed with an average of at least 65%, barring exceptions as approved by the School Director. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8.

Compulsory Modules:
  • Research Project (SANL671) 64 Credits.
  • Social Theories (SOCL611) 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules:
  • Sociology of Development (SOCL621) 16 Credits.
  • Women's Studies (SOCL627) 16 Credits.
  • Gender Identity (SOCL628) 16 Credits.
  • Sociology of South Africa (SOCL629) 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • In-depth knowledge and advanced socio-analytical skills that would enable them to engage with advanced methodologies, including a basic knowledge of statistical methods, to identify, formulate, investigate and offer a viable solution to a current sociological anthropological problem in South Africa.
  • Demonstrate a well-rounded and systematic knowledge of Sociology and Social Anthropology as well as a detailed knowledge of specific specialisation fields.
  • Render a service with the acquired knowledge in order to analyse social questions in South African society and to show a well-founded knowledge in this regard.
  • Write a research report in accordance with accepted academic standards and communicate the findings to an audience of academic peers with the aid of suitable Information Technology (IT). 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
  • Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
  • Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
  • Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
  • Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous formative assessment strategies in the form of assignments, portfolios, tests etc. are employed as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini-dissertation/project report etc. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual as well as group context may also be employed. Students are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the work place. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) level descriptors for Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) Level 8 were used to design the qualification standard. These level descriptors are internationally benchmarked criteria based upon published work of the national quality assurance bodies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master's Degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. North West University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.